Air conditioning technology
July 04th 2007 Part of the solution to our environmental concerns – not part of the problem
Space Airconditioning plc,established in 1980 and based in Guildford, Surrey, is the largest of a Europe-wide network of independent Distributors dedicated to supplying Daikin air conditioning and heat pump technology. The company is widely acknowledged as a leading exponent of products and systems manufactured by Daikin and offers award winning customer services.
Space Air actively represents HVAC industry interests in relation to UK and European legislation and Regulation. One such Regulation – EC 2037/2000 on ozone depleting substances,which came into force in 2000, had an immediate impact on air conditioning and refrigeration equipment operating with CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants and phased implications for other equipment operating with HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) refrigerant R22. Below Space Air examines the options available to operators and end-users of air conditioning equipment faced with the approaching obsolescence of existing R22 based equipment and describes some of the benefits to be gained from investing in the greatly advanced alternative products now available.
HCFC R22 Phase out
The EC Regulation EC2037/2000,which introduced immediate bans on the use of CFCs and a phase out programme for HCFC R22, has been very beneficial as regards the ozone layer and the global environment. However,many end-users are facing the dilemma of how to address air conditioning equipment still operating with HCFC R22.
Essentially there are 3 options:
Option 1 - Do nothing.
With this option one must be mindful that equipment designed to
operate with HCFC R22 is:
• Classified as obsolete as manufacture ceased over a period between 1999 and 2004.
• Increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.
• Less efficient than today’s alternatives.
The use of virgin HCFCs will be banned from 1st January 2010 and the use of all HCFCs, including recycled materials will be banned from 1st January 2015.
Time for the option of doing nothing is fast running out, in the meantime R22 based equipment can present serious cost and dependability issues.
Option 2 – Replace the HCFC R22 with a ‘drop-in’ alternative refrigerant.
This has been described as a cost effective and practical option, however there are some important considerations:
• The service and maintenance issues described in option 1 would still apply.
• This option would almost certainly result in a loss in efficiency.
• retrofilling can be carried out relatively quickly, however, anything that reduces operating efficiency is undesirable.
• Nobody really knows what damaging effect drop-in alternatives to R22 have on equipment components.
• Manufacturers cannot recommend this course of action and no warranties will be available.
This option is probably not worth the risk to reliability.
Option 3 – Replace the old system with new equipment.
This is the best and most environmentally responsible option and it represents a wealth of advantages and opportunities:
• Air conditioning equipment has been substantially redesigned to operate with new refrigerants – with striking benefits.
• Energy efficiency is significantly improved, meaning far lower operating costs and environmental impact in terms of carbon
emissions.
• Most modern day replacements are now inverter controlled enabling output to be precisely matched with demand and maximising operating efficiency.
• Today’s equipment is physically smaller, quieter, more reliable,more flexible and the controls are far superior.
• Whereas older R22 air conditioning equipment may have been cooling only, today’s heat pump technology can provide year round comfort obviating the need for environmentally damaging fossil fuel based heating systems.
• Finally to help offset the investment cost, many ozone benign heat pump
based systems qualify for tax breaks in the form of enhanced capital allowances. More articles from Space Airconditioning plc: | 
